Invisible: Racism, Sexism and Xenophobia: A Public Lecture by Grace Ji-Sun Kim

Invisibility persists throughout the Asian American story. On the one hand, xenophobia has long contributed to racism and discrimination toward Asian Americans. On the other hand, terms such as perpetual foreigner and honorific whites have been thrust upon Asian Americans, minimizing their plight with racism and erasing their experience as racial minorities. Even more indiscernible in America’s racial landscape are Asian American women. The compounded effects of a patriarchal Asian culture and a marginalizing American culture are formidable, steadily removing the recognition of these women’s lives, voices, and agency.

Invisibility is not only a racial and cultural issue, but also a profound spiritual issue. The Western church—and its theology—has historically obscured the concerns of Asian Americans. The Asian American church relegates women to domestic, supportive roles meant to uplift male leaders. This lecture will explore Invisibility as a theological and spiritual concept and see how we can work towards inclusion, liberation and embrace.

If you’d like to receive a free copy of Grace Ji-Sun Kim’s book, Invisible, please let us know that you’re interested by filling out this Google Form. Many thanks to the GU Women’s Center for generously making these copies available!

About the Speaker:
Grace Ji-Sun Kim received her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and is Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion. She is the author or editor of 20 books, most recently, Invisible; Hope in Disarray; Keeping Hope Alive; and Intersectional Theology. Kim is a Series Editor for Palgrave Macmillan Series, “Asian Christianity in the Diaspora” and has served on the American Academy of Religion’s Board of Directors. Kim writes for Baptist News Global, Sojourners, Faith and Leadership and Wabash Center and has published in TIME, The Huffington Post, Christian Century, US Catholic Magazine and The Nation. She is the host of Madang podcast which is hosted by the Christian Century and is an ordained Presbyterian Church (USA) minister. More of her writing and work can be found on her blog site https://gracejisunkim.wordpress.com/